NCT06328127 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Positive Psychology Intervention for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors
(PATH-4)
What this study is about
This randomly assigned clinical trial is evaluating the impact of a positive psychology intervention (PATH) on anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life in survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) compared to usual care.
View original scientific description
This randomized clinical trial is evaluating the impact of a positive psychology intervention (PATH) on anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life in survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) compared to usual care.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
PATH
PATH, a phone-delivered positive psychology intervention for patients who have undergone HSCT, consists of three 3-week modules. The first module focuses on gratitude and physical activity goal setting. The second module focuses on personal strengths and resources to enhance daily physical activity. The third module focuses on meaning and assessing barriers to physical activity. The third week of each module is an integration exercise dedicated to help participants explore practical ways of incorporating the themes for the given module into daily life. A trained interventionist will guide participants to complete each 30-minute weekly session.
Primary outcome measures
Anxiety Symptoms based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale
Time frame: 10 weeks
Compare anxiety symptoms between the two groups at 10 weeks using the 7-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). The HADS-A subscale ranges from 0-21, with higher scores indicating worse anxiety symptoms.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult patients (aged 18 years and older) undergoing allogeneic HSCT and are approaching 100-days post-HSCT
- Ability to speak, read, and respond to questions in English or Spanish to complete study procedures
- Access to a basic telephone
Exclusion criteria
- Patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT for benign hematologic conditions
- Patients with severe psychiatric or cognitive conditions, such as dementia, determined by their transplant oncologist to make them unable to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures
Where
- Tampa, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Durham, North Carolina
Collaborators
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Duke University, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 13, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations